NEWTON, Aug. 10, 2004 – Eastern Bank today announced it donated $10,000 to the John M. Barry Boys and Girls Club of Newton, which will use the funds to provide fine arts lessons to children in Newton and surrounding communities.

The gift, which was unsolicited and a surprise to the club, will pay for art and drama instructors and supplies, such as paints and props, at the club’s after-school program, said David Sellers Sr., executive director of the club.

"This gift is generous and, because it was unexpected, allows us to get really creative with our programming,” Sellers said. “The staff is so excited to develop a fine arts curriculum, offering drawing, painting and drama to the children.”

Joseph Finn, senior vice president at Eastern, said he was pleased the bank could support the club’s work and mission.

“We approached the club directors, saying we’d heard about their tremendous work in the community, and we wanted to be a part of it,” he said. “At Eastern, we believe that one of our greatest investments is in the lives of children.”

The after-school program’s fine arts curriculum will give children who might not ordinarily have the opportunity, the chance to develop their imaginations and creativity with the guidance of skilled instructors.

“The arts can help us unlock children’s imagination, drive and creativity, all of which can help them develop ambition and dreams for their lives,” Sellers said. “The arts are a terrific way for us to reach kids.”

Based in Boston, Eastern Bank is the largest independent, mutually owned commercial bank in New England.  With $5.1 billion in assets and 53 branches in Greater Boston, Eastern offers a full range of financial products for consumers, businesses, investors, government agencies and not-for-profit organizations. Its wholly owned subsidiaries are Eastern Insurance, one of New England’s largest insurers, and Fantini & Gorga, a real estate advisory firm.

Established in 1890, the John M. Barry Boys and Girls Club of Newton is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing environment for youth in Newton and other communities. Affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the club’s mission is to optimize youth potential through programs and services that promote health and social, educational, vocational, and character development.

John Barry, a resident of Boston, was born in Auburndale, graduated from Newton North High School and Burdette College, and served in the Army National Guard. John worked tirelessly for almost 20 years as a member of the Newton Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors. 

For more information, contact: Joe Bartolotta, Public Relations Director, Eastern Bank, (781) 596-4411, or e-mail Joe Bartolotta.